Jambo...We're back!!!

Kenya_commissioning_3 Posted by hakuna matata on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 | 30 comments | Bookmark: digg this Post this to del.icio.us Post this to Facebook

Thanks for all the comments. You should all be proud as we have broken the record for the most comments a team has recieved (clearly popular people). Anyhow day 4 took the same format as day 3, we continued working at Kumpa Primary School.

Day 5 – We had a long road trip to Torosei Primary School (which was featured in the ‘Footsteps’ Video) and what a welcome we recieved. We split into groups and began entertaining the classes with songs and sketches to show God’s love. We felt like celebrities with the kids swarming us. We then had a meeting with the local Maasai comunity before heading home. We had a very special celebration that night as Robert graduated and entered the world of unemployment.

Day 6 – This was spent with Kadiado Youth. Some cleaned the Cathedral, some collected stones from the quarry for the basketball court while others cooked dinner (which was quite literally a whole cow). That afternoon we all came together to practice for the church services and learnt a lot about religion and culture in Kenya and Kenyan lifestyle ie. meeting at 9 a.m. means we will see you at 3 p.m.

Day 7 – Early start at 6.30 a.m. and went to the English Chuch Service which was 3 hours long but didn’t feel like it! Everyone was so enthusiastic to worship and the team performed a song with the Kenyan Youth which got a great response. Next was the Kiswhali service, despite not being able to understand it, it was still enjoyable. After 7 HOURS of church we had lunch with the youth before setting off with our new Kenyan parents for the night, and what a great night it was! Everyone had different experiences. Some learnt traditional cooking (including goat stomach), got tours of the town and watched the animals in the ranch. Michael and Chris stayed with the biggest man in Kenya, while Alex and Sarah stayed with a Kenyan icon, Mrs Nangarie. She is known worldwide for saving young Maasai girls from arranged marriages.

Day 8 and 9 – More work at Kumpa, mostly painting, but we are making good progress. Michael `apparently´ became a hounoury Fundi (skilled worker) for the day.

Thats you up to date, sorry it´s so long but keep the comments flowing in, it´s great encouragement especially for Rory! It seems to be his fan page!! Talk soon.

Comments

Spike said Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:38PM
Great to hear from you all again - sounds like you are all having a great time! Blessings from all the staff here at CMSI.
Alan and Liz said Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:48PM
Greetings from sunny Italy - well today is a bit overcast but very humid and hot (only 28 degrees though). Great to get a feel of what is going on with all of you. Wonderful to hear the sense of humour coming through. You guys are legends God Bless you . Know you are meeting Jesus in the smiles and welcome. lots of love. Alan and Liz Abernethy
Heather Harper said Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:35PM
Good to hear from you all again and to know that you are still enjoying your time in Kenya! We have just left Elizabeth to the airport, the beginning of her journey to Burundi! I'm writing this in the Apple store in Belfast whilst sheltering from the rain-well I needed to do something to pass the time!!! God bless and hope the remainder of your visit is good! Heather, Brian and Samuel
Olwen said Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:02PM
Hi everyone. Congratulations on graduating, Robert - it's not everyone who can graduate AND work with Maasai children in Kenya on the same day!! Simon - we'll do our best, but don't be expecting a whole cow, or even a fatted calf (last week's sermon in St John's was on the prodigal son!!) when you get home. Would a Big Mac do?? Everyone is still praying for all you guys that you'll bless and be blessed in everything you do. You're an inspiration to us all. God bless, Olwen and Mark
Noeleen Hampton said Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:43PM
Hi Becky and everyone else there working hard we could be doing with you in the spud shed lol .We are all very proud of you all keep the good work up our prayers are with you ps Becks dont forget about the giraffe lots of love x
Clive and Leigh said Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:51PM
Message for Rory Dad says hes had enough of this going away lark and its time to come home.MAISIE is fed up taking the blame for all the smells round here so she thinks its home time too. Millie and Aloysius havent noticed any great difference as they think all Rory does is sleep anyway. Message from TJ "Have secured Queens knickers. All is well" please send congratulatory text if poss As regards whole cow for homecoming Big Sam says not a chance but Jimmie Gault says he can rustle up a pig - Wot u reckon? Dad and I are having a touch too much quality time will be glad to see you home Lots of love and kisses Mum
Robert Ferris said Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:26PM
Well wee Jules (:-)) (:-P) Sounds like you are having fun & doing some great work. You all are in my prayers as you continue working for the Lord in Kenya. Have a great time. Every Blessing Rev Rob! Don't let the team give ya a hard time jules ;-)
Amy Stephens said Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:04AM
well it sounds like you guys are having a ball and doing important work at the same time. As for the whole cow you get something similar in sizzlers steak house in glasgow so when you are over ill see what i can do! I'm home at the moment and andrew the house is way too quiet without you, mum felt awful for not saying happy birthday when you phoned i think she was shocked at hearing from you. I have been enjoying myself and eating all the lovely food you left behind as well as sleeping in your very comfy bed, smudge sends his love he's in a bit of a huff and wont snuggle up to anybody just hides in his tent. I have also just joined facebook and its horrid i cant work it at all way more complicated than necessary. We are having a big BBQ on sunday for all the family so im sure you'll get a few more comments from them all then, take care, Amy(andrews stephens' big sister)
Brandy said Thu, 16 Jul 2009 02:30PM
Hey folks, Great to hear you are doing well and and getting a varied and wonderful experience of Kenyan life. I don't believe the 7 hour church service though -you're young and bored easily so it was probably around 2 hours. I'm praying that Daniel got the goat's stomach experience on the homestay! Went to the Ballyclare football last night and no-one got injured or lost their temper -discussion took place afterwards as to why until we realised that Simon and Michael weren't there. Who's Rory?
Willie & Deirdre said Thu, 16 Jul 2009 02:44PM
hi Amanda great hearing from you again this week, you see I didnt mention how lazy or untidy you are why would I?.Everyone has been asking about you and are really pleased its going well. Siobhan was telling me Sherry had a bad fall in China and spent 5 hours in hospital when she got home but all is fine now. Look forward to hearing from you next week. lots of love mum & dad
The Cheshire Fish Sitters said Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:18PM
Hi Amanda, It's been great reading how you're all getting on. Keep up the great work. Oliver and Kit are doing fine however that flake food you sent down with them isn't half making the water murky. We've had to boil wash the tank twice a week, yuck! They'll be safely back on pellet food by the time you pick them up! The other Oliver has invited 10 boys to his 10th birthday camp-over. Could have really done with your help on that one. It's a good job you've got a really good excuse not to be here!!
Nanny Craig said Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:17PM
Hi rory, it's nanny again. I'm up at your mum's waiting for our dinner. Claire's here waiting for her dinner. We're all roasting, so don't know what you must feel like over there. I've got rollo as Timothy went to see Lizzy yesterday, and everything went off well. I bet you were surprised when you got a message from Martha and John. The place here is empty, with Regan being away and you not here. Claire is doing all this typing for me. Think of you all the time, and take care Love you Nanny
valerie doyle said Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:48PM
Hi Rach and everyone, greetings from Ballylisk. Everyone sends their love and prayers. Glad to hear you're all well and enjoying the experience. I'm sure you're all looking forward to safari. All's well at home nothing exciting to report, apart from the roundabout that is now fully functional and no more traffic lights, hooray! Keep sending the texts and hope you're still taking the tabs. Miss you lots, lol, God Bless, Dad Mum and Mark xx
Liz said Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:01AM
Hi folks! Great to hear so much news about what your're all up to out there! Chris, bet your giant host's biceps were bigger than yours. Mrs Nibbles is missing your TLC but doing well. Another 6th former from Steve's year was killed in a car crash on the New Line last week, profound sadness all around. Steve is still sleeping on the floor, but has finally reached the painting stage on his bedroom, so is dreaming of a soft bed tonight!!! Hi Alex, I'm sure all those PS kids are just loving all your dance & drama. Have you taught them hip-hop yet, Chris? Must go here. Keep up the good work out there, all of you. It is so immensely moving to hear of all the marvellous things you are all getting involved in. Well, I'm not going to kill a cow for you coming home, Chris & Alex, ... but there's always Kiefer or Marley ... or Jeffrey???!!! Love and prayers and blessings to you all.
Robert's mum and dad said Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:26PM
Hi all, Good to hear about how you are all getting on. You all seem to be enjoying yourselves. We thought we had better say something in case you thought we had forgotten you. It's just that we have been very busy. Like Rory and Dan's parents we had a massive clean up job to do in a certain bedroom! (it's great to look in and see that it has stayed clean and tidy). We also had a bit of work to do regarding a certain graduation !!!!. All is well here and we had a good trip over to Andrew's wedding. Keep up the good work and stay safe.
Beckys Mum said Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:12PM
Hi Becks ,It was great talking to you today and we are all so glad you are having a great time and every thing is going well There is nothing much to report from here at home missing you love and take care mum xxoo
Alan and Sandra Vincent (Sarah's parents) said Sat, 18 Jul 2009 09:03AM
Hi there, Sarah!! Just managed to get to the blog now after my near heart attack experience when you phoned at 5 30 a.m.!!!! We have settled back to Bangor life and Tefl world after our Cambridge trip. It was great to see all the guys again. You seem to be having a great time there. We can't wait to hear it all when you get back home. IT is very quiet here and we are waitng for the house to be transformed when you are here.... and then Micah. Lovely!! I take it that was you staying with Mrs Nangarie - it sounds like a great privilege and must have been inspiring to meet her and hear about what she does. I'll let Dad chip in here with a few wise words (ha ha!) good morning,lovely one, I am trying to think of inspiring things to say, but I will content myself by asking if you are still smiling and still laughing? Hope you have talen many pics. Mom and I will be with Rory and Denise this Sunday for a farewell BBQ. Then we are on the countdown to our travels too.
Janice and Michael Stephens (Andy's Mum and Dad) said Sat, 18 Jul 2009 12:15PM
HI Andrew, You all seem to be really enjoying yourselves and working very hard. Hope you enjoyed your slice of the cow! - I'm sure it makes your Dads BBQ'd leg of lamb look tiny. Your Nanny Maisie sends her love. Amy has enjoyed her week of being spoilt at home and is heading back to Glasgow on Monday. Your Nanny and Granda have returned from the states and are now being instructed on how to use a telephone as we had no contact from them for about 2 weeks and yet you managed to phone from KENYA!!!! Hope you are taking loads of pics and keeping your journal up to date and remembering to take the TABLETS!!! Hope to catch up with Ellen when she gets back next weekend. Keep up the good work, lots of love Mum and Dad xx Missing you loads!
ydna said Sat, 18 Jul 2009 12:59PM
hey guys your all doing fantastic!!!! yyyyeeeeeoooooo Just chillin in Nairobi, just thought id let you know im thinkin about ya's. blah ha blah i dont understand yadadadadada turn around everynow and then i get a little bit lonely and im never comin round, turn around bright eyes hahahahaa :)
nayr (amandas uncle) said Sat, 18 Jul 2009 01:05PM
yyyeeeeeoooooo wats happenin guys an amazin day in Nairobi just wanted to drop a wee comment to say that you are amazin and you are all doing so well happy birthday andy kiss an hugs words of encouragement (romans 6) i get up, everyday is a daydream, everything in my life aint wat it seems. i wake up just to go back to sleep, i act real shallow but im in to deep. all i care about is sun and violence, a heavy bassline is my kind of silence, everybody says i gta get a grip but i let sainity give me the slip sum people think im bonkers but i just think im free man im just living my life theres nothing crazy bout meeeeeeeeeee
Jill Crothers said Sat, 18 Jul 2009 01:08PM
Hi Michael and everyone else. Dad and I have just got back from Munich (good time but very hot)and I couldn't wait to see what you've been up to. How did they know you were used to living with big people???? He'll make Matthew seem like a midget. Hope you've got photos. What size was this cow, I'll put Derek on standby. I hope Daniel doesn't tell his dad about the lenght of the service, and if you're reading this Mark I'm not joking!! Glad to hear that you are now a Fundi as there are endless little job's around here that could do with your expertise. I'll start a list. You really seem to be having a ball, and it's great to hear from you (Julie) as I'm inundated with people asking "well how's Michael getting on". I never knew you were so popular! Anyway lots of love and keep up the good work. By the way how's the diary going? love from Mum Dad and not so big now Matthew.
Stephen Derby said Sat, 18 Jul 2009 09:00PM
Hey victoria and all you guys great to hear you are all having a great time and enjoying yourselves,hope you had a good day today in nairobi,I had a great day at wedding but just one thing missing and that was you victoria.You and the team are in my prayers and i am very proud off you and the great work you are doing for the lord in kenya.Hope you have a great church service on sunday,missing you loads stephen x
Laura Trotman said Sat, 18 Jul 2009 09:56PM
so glad to hear you guys are having a good time, Aj shuff ryan sarah and ruth i tried to make dave ring u guys back from ur voicemail.. didnt work tho :( ballysiillan wasnt the same without you guys. love and prayers lt xx
Sandra Vincent said Sun, 19 Jul 2009 03:16PM
Sarah! Have just realised you are home in just over a week!!!! Very excited already!!!! love you, Mum
matty dans bro said Sun, 19 Jul 2009 04:22PM
hey guys! long time no see eyy dan? howz it goin we are just back forom scotland and we had a lovely time and we are all glad u wernt there because the food bills would be ALOT higher! hehe any way ive been praying hard for u guys (all of u ) even thouhg i dont kno most of u ( dan roary simon micheal excluded) i really hope u will all come back nice and safe to us and that god will move u and encourage u in every way. God bless Matt really miss u guys !
Cherith (Ulster-Scots for Daniels's Mum!!!!) said Sun, 19 Jul 2009 04:29PM
Hi Dan missing you but glad to hear all the news. We are just back from the Highlands road trip! Great excitement when we saw Sea Eagles,Basking sharks,an otter,seals and Stags. Erin is looking forward to sharing wildlife stories with you ,there will be no comparison. Keep well,Keep clean.Sleep well and enjoy every moment-with love and prayers Cherith
Heather said Sun, 19 Jul 2009 05:56PM
Hi everyone-it's hard to believe that this week will see the end of your stay in Kajiado, and thoughts of returning home!I'm sure you will all have lots to share when you do return home, and we all look forward to that!I hope you will all have safe journeys in the coming week both to Mombassa and back to the UK.Samuel(Jonny's little bro)is packed and ready for his trip to Indiana with Operation Friendship, and Brian and I are preparing for a few days away in Yorkshire - hoping for more sunshine than showers!!!Take care everyone and remember to keep taking the tablets when you return home! Love and prayers, Heather
victor carson (dan's grandad) said Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:20PM
Hi Daniel and Co just to wish you well during the final week in Kenya. We have read with iterest the log and hope to have some more soon. We have returned from holiday and feel refreshed and our prayer for you is that any fatigue encountered will soon disappear and that energy levels rise to enable all your tasks to be completed, praying for you each day, papa C.
Rosie (Andrew's auntie) said Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:05AM
Great to hear you're having a fabulous time. I am very jealous and can't wait to hear all about it and see your photos. We're headed home for Heather's 40th at the weekend - I know you'll be gutted to miss the Abba party! Take care and see you soon. Hello to Sarah V too! Rosie x
Nannie Maisie (andy's nany) said Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:37PM
Hope you have plenty of photos. You all seem to be enjoying yourselves even though there is hard work involved. Amy went back to Glasgow this morning. Your mum and dad are looking forward to your return. Miss you. You are all in my prayers. Keep up the good work. God Bless you all. xxxxxxxx